Rights for Freelance Workers in the Media and Creative Industries

That this House is concerned by the severe hardship which Covid-19 has caused for many freelance and self-employed workers; notes that the media and creative industries represent a major growth sector which is worth more than £111 billion to the UK economy, yet freelance workers in the sector have been left bereft of the many rights most employees take for granted; welcomes the National Union of Journalists' #FairDeal4Freelances campaign and the publication of the Freelance Charter, which seeks redress for those missing out on financial assistance during Covid-19 and to fight for a radical reform of our rights to ensure job protection and benefits are not dependent on employment status; calls for the right to organise in a trade union, to have a written contract with fair terms and conditions, prompt payment and equal treatment at work in terms of health and safety; believes that freelances should get holiday pay, parental leave and allowances and a retirement pension; and further believes that they should have the right to resist companies forcing them on to PAYE, to incorporate as a limited company, or work under umbrella companies.